Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis; An Alternative Treatment
June 23, 20102 CommentsDisease Treatment
corticosteroids,
crohn's disease,
IBD,
immune modulators,
inflammatory bowel disease,
marijuana clinic,
medical marijuana card,
mesalimine,
ulcerative colitis
Today in Irvine I took care of 2 patients who were suffering from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis that were using medical marijuana to help control their symptoms. Primarily they stated the cannabis reduces abdominal cramping, decreases diarrhea and decreased the amount of “flare ups” that they had in the past 12 months.
Many patients are unaware that cannabinoids (the medically active ingredients in the plant) have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to having analgesic properties. At it’s roots Inflammatory Bowel Disease is caused by inflammation in the walls of the large and small intestines. Essentially immune cells congregate and cause inflammation which leads to its symptoms of cramping, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia etc.
Typically patients are treated medically with drugs that block the inflammatory response. Mesalamine, corticosteroids and immune modulators all essentially do the same thing which is reduce inflammation. However many of these medications have unwanted side effects and patients need “something else” to help them.
IBD effects a very high percentage of the population. It can be extremely debilitating and often times leads to early death. Many patients have to have portions of their intestines removed because the inflammation is so severe.
I have found in my practice that patients who supplement with cannabis have better control of their symptoms. They require less corticosteroids (like prednisone), have less hospitalizations, trips to their doctor and have a healthier appetite. Once patients get used to vaporizing the cannabis they realize that they can incorporate it into their treatment regimen with ease.
If you or someone you know is suffering from IBD, Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis and would like more information to see if cannabis can improve the quality of your life feel free to give us a call at 877-721-0047 . You can also pre-qualify for free by visiting our website at www.mcsocal.com
Be blessed,
Dr. Breen
Problem is, I can’t exactly be coming to work stoned off of marijuana.
I also read an article somewhere that marijuana actually helps repair the lining of the intestines. Not sure on whether this is true or not.
I did hear a few weeks ago that a doctor (European?) has been working on extracting the THC from marijuana so it can be used medicinally without the “high”. Now that would be a breakthrough.
the only problem with this article is that vaping avoids cbd. But i do agree in the idea . I would also like to emphasize the huge importance that none strenuous exercise does for all ibd.example Bicycle. I have UC for 4 years now and ever since i starting riding bike all symptoms have gone away . the supplements mentioned above also can help but its very important to understand the different types of THC and cbd all do different things and in some cases could excite the disease. i have been playing with this idea for a while . My theory is this . people with ibds have over active white blood cells / immune systems. If you give your system something else to focus on like muscle regrowth due to exercise etc… your immune system focuses on this instead of attacking you colon wall. I also introduced slowly cooked greens then gradually raw greens to start replenishing the proper flora I had as a child .